Mind your own womb!

People ask her, “Still no kids?” Her response varies from day to day, but it usually includes forced smiles and restraint.

“Nope, not yet,” she says with a chuckle, muffling her frustration.

“Well, don’t wait forever. That clock is ticking, ya know,” the sage says before departing, happy with herself for imparting such erudite wisdom. The sage leaves. The woman holds her smile. Alone, she cries...

Somewhere else is another woman: 34, five children.

People say to her, “Five? Good lord, I hope you’re done!” And then they laugh... because those types of comments are funny. The woman laughs too, but not in earnest. She changes the subject, as she always does, and gives the disrespect a pass. Just another day. Alone, she cries...

Cries because she’s pregnant with another and feels like she has to hide the joy.

Cries because she always wanted a big family and doesn’t see why people seem so disturbed by it.

Cries because she has no siblings and felt profoundly lonely as a child.

Cries because her Granny had 12 and she’d love to be just like her.

Cries because she couldn’t imagine life without her children, but people treat her like they’re a punishment.

Cries because she doesn’t want to be pitied.

Cries because people assume this isn’t what she wanted.

Cries because they assume she’s just irresponsible.

Cries because they believe she has no say.

Cries because she feels misunderstood.

Cries because she’s tired of defending her private choices.

Cries because she and her husband are perfectly capable of supporting their family but that doesn’t seem to matter.

Cries because she’s tired of the “funny” comments.

Cries because she minds her own business.

Cries because she wishes others would mind theirs.

Cries because sometimes she doubts herself and wonders if she should have stopped two kids ago.

Cries because others are quick to offer criticism and slow to offer help.

Cries because she’s sick of the scrutiny.

Cries because she’s not a side show.

Cries because people are rude.

Cries because so many people seem to have opinions on her private life.